Tag Archives: Co-operative

This week we’ve linked in a TED Talk given by Ron Finley. Ron Finley is an activist in South Central Los Angeles. He started an organization comprised of volunteers that plant gardens in vacant lots across South Central Los Angeles. His passion rests in educating kids and community members about food and a healthy way of eating. His philosophy is beautiful, simple, real and impactful. Take the time to watch this ten minute talk. Have a great week everyone!

Last night, Jody and I sat down and watched the next movie in our Netflix envelope. We often don’t know what it is, though we set the list ourselves, it is usually a surprise which title arrives. The movie was “Searching For Sugar Man”, a film recommended to me by a friend who viewed it at a film festival. Over the course of the next 90 minutes an evolution of emotions rolled over me like a Zamboni smoothing the ice of a hockey arena. This story set me at peace. Continue reading →

The genesis of Come In From The Cold came from the yearning to reflect on how we, as people living in a community, can live a practice of welcoming. Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting a gentlemen by the name of Bruce Anderson, who has made it his life’s work to explore this very idea. Bruce lives in Washington, in a place called Vashon Island, where he is immersed in living a practice of welcoming. I immediately invited him to share some time to chat with me and he graciously accepted. So I invite you to have a glimpse into our conversation…

Before we introduce this week’s blog link, we have AMAZING news! Co-author and co-creator of this here blog, Linda Keys, along with her partner Alan MacFarlane, welcomed their son Findlay into the world on Saturday evening, May 4. In a text she wrote, “Our beautiful wonderful son Findlay Keys MacFarlane, was born last night, May 4 at 8:21pm at home in water. Weight 8 lbs, 11 ounces. It was the most perfect home birth I could have ever imagined. His transition to the outside world was gentle and calm. Auntie Jenny made it here in time. We are all incredibly well and happy.” Congratulations Linda and Alan on the birth of Findlay!! Findlay is blessed to have you as parents! Now on with the show…

This week we are honored to provide you with a link to a dear friend’s blog, April Doner. Continue reading →

A friend, and recent guest blogger, Chris Lee, recently shared this video about a project coordinated by Christina MacLeod. She organized a group of community members to transform a “dull and lifeless street, into a public place that encourages activity, community and health.” It is a beautiful piece about a beautiful idea. Take the time to watch this 6 minute video. Be well friends!

This week we’ve linked in a TED talk given by Shane Koyczan. I don’t know much about him, other than he is a master with spoken word and that his message is beyond powerful. I first saw this video a month or two ago, it was all over the place for a weekend. I’ve watched it several times since. Take the time to watch this clip. Really. Take the time. Truly. We wouldn’t lead you astray intentionally. Big love to you all from the Come In From The Cold blog!!!

I’ve been blessed in my life to have the opportunity to travel to amazing places, meet amazing people and develop on-going supportive and creative relationships with these amazing people. I learn from these people and value these connections. One of these teachers, John O’Brien, recently posted this YouTube clip on FaceBook and I immediately thought to share it here on this blog. The person responsible for this video is Edgar Cahn, creator of time banking concept. In this piece, “The Parable of The Blobs and Squares”, the concept of co-production is highlighted. In our society, as currently structured, all too often well-intentioned governmental systems and institutions try solving problems with “imposed solutions” rather than seeing people for what they can be…citizens capable of creating solutions by simply utilizing the gifts and talents we already possess.

Take the time to watch this brilliant piece. It is 6 minutes well spent! Thanks for sharing John!

Come In From The Cold · WELCOME… How can we make sure we invite everybody in, leaving nobody out in the cold? SIT… How do we get to know one another better? To start to care? STAY… How can we deepen our connections and dream together about a beloved community? This blog is a space of observations, questions and reflection about community. From San Diego and Scotland, we discovered that we needed to embark on a joint learning journey. We invite you to join us. – Kirk Hinkleman and Linda Keys